Ricciardo vows to give it his all

Daniel Ricciardo is determined to make the most of his chance at Toro Rosso this season, insisting he won't treat it as "learning year"...

Daniel Ricciardo is determined to make the most of his chance at Toro Rosso this season, insisting he won't treat it as "learning year".

Although the Australian has 11 grands prix behind his name following a stint with HRT last year, he is still one of the more inexperienced drivers on the grid.

However, while most other youngsters would use their first full season in F1 to come to grips with the pace of the sport, Ricciardo plans to go all out.

"I'm not going to treat (2012) as a learning year," he told the Herald Sun.

"It could be my one and only if it's not good enough so I've definitely got to step up and do as good as I can."

After spending most of the time at the back of the grid with HRT in 2011, he is likely to find himself in the midfield this campaign as Toro Rosso are expected to challenge the likes of Force India and Sauber.

Ricciardo admits finishing in the points at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix is the target for him.

"My hopes are to survive - then to finish in the points after that," he said.

He added: "To finish in the points is the real goal that I'm after. I guess we'll see where our performance is on Saturday in qualifying.

"We'll try and have the best race we can but anything is possible. Even if qualifying doesn't go to plan, Sunday is a long race so I'll be staying positive until the end."